Mead in secondary fermenter at 1.050

[Sebae]

Hello all, first post here.

I assume I confused myself with another fermentation as I thought this mead was at 1.030 when I racked it. However, I tested it today and it is indeed at 1.050.

Recipe:
6.8lbs Honey
2 yeast nutrient packets
Wyeast 4783 Rudesheimer Yeast
Water

The yeast I originally used was a Wyeast packet (4783 - Rudesheimer) with a percent alcohol tolerance of 14%. I'm considering reinoculating the mead with a new strain of yeast. However, as I have never tried to restart a fermentation I'm hoping to get some opinions first before I do anything. On hand I have Lalvin EC-1118, Red Star Montrachet, and Red Star Champagne.

I suspect the mead is still fairly nutrient rich as I added plenty at the start of fermentation and didn't allow for it to finish fermenting. But if it would be wise to add nutrients as well I have some fermaid K on hand as well.

I'd greatly appreciate any help,

Thanks

 

[Medsen Fey]

EC 1118 is the only one of those yeast good for restarts, but if the alcohol is high, it can be difficult for any strain. What was your starting gravity?

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[Sebae]

I'd say it was at 1.085 or close to it. The refractometer I used was the same one I use to testing salinity in aquaria and has an upper limit of 1.070.

 

[Sebae]

Well, I just tested the mead with a hydrometer and got a reading of 1.000. I suppose all is well then.

As for degassing... Should I degass when I add some isinglass or throughout secondary fermentation?

 

[Intheswamp]

I can't remember who, what, where, when, or why but I believe refractometers are unreliable for mead testing.

Ed

 

[fatbloke]

I can't remember who, what, where, when, or why but I believe refractometers are unreliable for mead testing.

Ed

From memory, I think it's the alcohol that screws the pooch on them. A hydrometer is more reliable IMO.....

 

[skunkboy]

I can't remember who, what, where, when, or why but I believe refractometers are unreliable for mead testing.

Ed

Yeah, they are great for Original Gravity, really suck once alcohol starts getting produced...